Destroying hearthfires

[EnigmaAlpha]

I recently discovered that the pesky hearthfire in my settlement that was blocking off a cave could be destroyed, if I had my claim over it. I have my claim over it, but I guess I'm not strong enough to blow the thing down!

How much strength do I need to knock over a hearthfire that isn't mine?

[Grelf]

At least 25 as far as I know. Try attacking it with a pickaxe for better results.

[EnigmaAlpha]

Try attacking it with a pickaxe for better results.

Is there anything I can use in lieu of a pickaxe? I kind of want to get into the cave so I can start mining, which would imply I don't have any metal yet

[Potjeh]

Stone axe adds 1 damage when destroying stuff, pick adds 2. Soak of hearths is 5, iirc, so 25 strength + stone axe can do the job, albeit slowly.

[daxslayer]

I did it with a stone axe at 10 strength. It took about 30 minutes though.

[novaalpha]

I did it with a stone axe at 10 strength. It took about 30 minutes though.

[Oskatat]

if you want to start mining its a good idea to get some str anyway. You could also check nearby mountains, digging for better q stones and make a better axe to help you destroy stuff